IGB know identity of owners of some of the dogs found dead in Limerick quarry

The IGB yesterday released a statement in relation to the recent find of greyhound bodies in a Co Limerick quarry and revealed that they know the identity of the owners of some of the greyhounds.

Identification markings were still intact on some of the dogs and the official registered owners will now be questioned on the matter.

The IGB statement reads: “Bord na gCon utterly condemns any and all illegal disposal of greyhounds and an investigation by the Board’s Stipendiary Stewards in conjunction with an Garda Siochana is already well underway into how the greyhounds died and how they came to be in this quarry. Bord na gCon can confirm that identification markings on some of the animals were still intact and the owners of same have already been identified and will now be questioned.

“Mr Barry Coleman, Welfare Officer of Bord na gCon, said ‘We are giving very strong assurances to the public that the perpetrators of this awful act will be pursued and we ensure they will face the full rigours of the law. The vast majority of all stakeholders in the greyhound industry abhor this kind of treatment which we all utterly condemn. With the recently passed Greyhound Welfare Bill, we now have greater power to tackle cruel acts of this nature and we intend to exercise the full extent of the law following the recent discovery in Limerick’.

“At this stage investigations are still ongoing under the recently passed Greyhound Welfare Bill 2012 and all findings will be also passed to an Garda Siochana.

“The Irish Greyhound Board encourage owners to keep or rehome retired racing Greyhounds as pets and are now undertaking a number of initiatives to promote retired greyhounds as pets including recent work with the Irish Kennel Club. The Board, through their Greyhound Welfare Officer, have also a substantial re-homing project in place where retired greyhounds are re-homed as pets in Ireland and in countries like Italy, Czech Republic, UK as well as the Benelux and Scandinavian countries”.

Meanwhile following his sensational trial run last weekend, Milldean Panther will be a very warm order in the heats of the Formula One Grand Prix at Curraheen on Saturday night. His presence could result in a crowd of Laurels proportions to see him running. But then the card also includes the final of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Oaks plus six other finals which makes this one of the most appealing nights racing of the year down in Cork.

Milldean would appear to have a very straightforward task in the opening heat where the sprinter Knockglass Billy and Mines A Pint represent the major dangers. The other heat should go to the Graham Holland trained Cambushmore.

Mitchelstown GAA will have their sponsored meeting next Friday and entries are invited for Open 575, A1 525, A2 550, A3 525 and A4 550. Entries will close on Tuesday for the 12 dog €800 A3 (Bg) 550, the 6 dogs and 6 bitches €700 Guys & Dolls A4 and the €350 Getting Out A1 525.

Owners Bryan and Kathleen Murphy will be at Shawfield in Glasgow tomorrow night for the final of the Bettor.com Scottish Derby where Barefoot Allstar represents their interests.

This fellow impressed greatly last October when beating Cheddar Bob in an open puppy contest in 28.29 on Laurels final night. Cheddar Bob is now known as Mill Pegasus and he turned the tables on Barefoot in the semi-final last Saturday. Don’t be surprised if Barefoot Allstar lives up to his name as he is improving with each run as he attains full fitness. You can view that race live on Sky Sports tomorrow night.

The big race of the week, and one of the biggest of the year, is the final of the College Causeway/ Killahan Phanter Easter Cup at Shelbourne on Saturday. It could also provide the story of the year if that incredible veteran Tyrur Big Mike manages to turn back the clock and claim the first prize of €25,000.

This fellow has been retired on a number of occasions and has been affected by injuries ever since finishing second to his litter brother Tyrur McGuigan in the 2010 Irish Derby final. He has served a lot of bitches and actually returned from stud duty to take part in this stake. He is getting better with each run and owner PJ Fahy said yesterday of his favourite greyhound: “I would give up all my trophies for Big Mike to win this one. He is a lovely dog and really deserves to win a big one”.

Prior to the opening round I suggested that this might be one of the best Produce Stakes for many years and the quality of racing in the opening round certainly substantiated that view as we saw a succession of top class performances and some eye-catching performances from winners and losers alike.

The winning performances are obvious to all but a few of the losers really impressed, particularly Catching Dreams, Ask Peejay and Lisnakill Jack. Unfortunately Catching Dreams has been withdrawn but the other two could yet make an impact in this classic.

Looking at Sunday’s second round heats I would fancy the prospects of Quail Hollow, Lisnakill Jack, Dear Pa and Paradise Martini.

Finally, entries for the Lee Strand 550 at Tralee close at noon tomorrow. This 96 dog A3 (No Bg) event will have a winner’s prize of €10,000 and the first round heats will be run on Tuesday and Friday nights next week.

The draw for the Formula One Grand Prix to be run on Saturday at Curraheen is:

Heat 1: 1 Tooclosetocall; 2 Milldean Panther; 3 Knockglass Billy; 4 Castlelyons Ralf; 5 Mines A Pint; 6 Fleetwood Root (m).

Heat 2: 1 Gowlane Hawk; 2 Glenanore; 3 Cooly Colebe; 4 Airforce Liberty; 5 Cambushmore; 6 Postman Ray.